Day one of the NFL Draft was great for the Georgia Bulldogs, but many would say it could have been even better. Five Dawgs were selected yesterday including Travon Walker at number one overall, but of those who were excluded were Nakobe Dean, who was present in Las Vegas for Draft Day and George Pickens, an electric wideout who some say would have been a first-round lock if it weren’t for injury.

George Pickens

As the second round progressed the Bulldogs realm was on its toes. It wasn’t until the 20th pick (52nd overall) that we could see wide receiver George Pickens get his name called by the Pittsburgh Steelers. If you were able to attend the Georgia Pro Day you could have observed Pickens work out with a Pittsburgh official for an extended period of time prior to his official workout, so seeing him end up there feels like things are coming full circle. 

James Cook

Next off the board was not Nakobe Dean, but running back James Cook, 63rd overall to the Buffalo Bills. Cook in Buffalo should be exciting. They’re running back room has felt bland the past couple years, so adding the talent that the Miami-native possesses both on the ground and in the air should make for great play.

Pickens and Cook were the only Georgia players taken in the second round.

Nakobe Dean

Now in the third round, the wait came to an end and we finally saw Georgia Legend, Nakobe Dean get drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles, priming him to play with former teammates and fellow DGD, Jordan Davis. According to some sources, Dean’s selection was delayed because of injury concerns with his peck. Said concerns were known prior to the draft, but the depth of the situation wasn’t anything of concern until it came down to Draft Day. 

Channing Tindall

After this selection, all of the Georgia’s draft-eligible front seven players have now moved on the NFL. Tindall’s selection at 103rd overall. Having played some last year, but really only busting out onto the scene this year, his play further proves the claim that the league is paying most of its attention to the latter years of player’s collegiate careers when it comes to the assessing draft potential.

Nine Dawgs have now found their way to the big leagues. Not only is this great for them and their careers but their success will continue to contribute to Kirby Smart’s recruiting efforts. It didn’t happen as expected, but that’s the draft for you.

As the last day of the draft approaches, we should still expect to see more of our guys fulfill their life-long dreams with names like: Zamir White, Jamaree Salyer, Justin Shaffer, Derion Kendrick, John Fitzpatrick, and Jake Camarda still on the board.